How does the Bill of Rights address the issue of collective vs. individual rights?

The correct answer emphasizes individual rights because the Bill of Rights was specifically crafted to protect the rights of individual citizens against government overreach. Ratified in 1791, the first ten amendments to the Constitution explicitly outline various personal freedoms and rights that individuals possess, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, as well as the right to bear arms and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

By prioritizing these individual rights, the Bill of Rights establishes a legal framework that safeguards personal freedoms and ensures that individuals have specific protections under the law. This focus on the individual is crucial because it reflects the foundational principle of American democracy that the government derives its power from the consent of the governed and must respect the rights of individuals.

While there are provisions that can contribute to collective rights, such as the right to assemble, the overarching theme of the Bill of Rights is the affirmation of individual liberties, which has shaped American legal and cultural understanding of personal freedoms throughout history.